Flying with 4 Year Old

Hi J.,

Here are some web sites:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=2006081607444...

http://ask.metafilter.com/27153/flying-with-kids-without-...

Hope this helps. D.

Use Benedryl just before you fly.If he is nt to young a piece of chewing gum also.My son ust to cry on the flight .We gave him decongestant and told him to pretend he is chewing gum. goodluck

My daughter and I flew to Texas too when she was 4. I got the Crayola Color Wonders books and markers, her DVD player and something that she could chew when taking off and when we started to land. The Color Wonder you didn't have to worry about color on the trays or on the chairs and the DVD player kept her busy too watching her favorite movie. Good Luck and have a safe flight.

I think the other people had some good advice, the only thing I would add is don't take too much. You will probably have to walk quite a bit in the airport and your child should be able to carry his own stuff. The Leapster or Leap pad idea worked really well for us. We took along ear phones so that no one had to hear it except my daughter. The last plane we flew on had movies you could pay for and my daughter spent most of the flight watching that.
J.

J.,

You and your son will have a fabulous time flying! Four is such a good age for him to go on his first flight because he is going to be SOOO excited if you put a lot of hype on this. I do have some suggestions for you though if you are worried about the length of the flight. My son has gone on 3 flights now and we will be heading out again on a terribly long one on Sunday, and this is what we have found has worked. Even though they allow people with small children on first, DO NOT get on immediately. If a spouse is flying with you, have just one of you get on during this time (if you explain the flight attendants why, they don't care) and set up the seats so that all of his things are in easy reach for you. Make sure that if you have a portable DVD player (or have access to one that you can borrow) that you bring it. The in-flight movies are never appropriate for young children, and if you don't have something else for him to watch, he may want to watch that. I also suggest putting some toys away that your son really loves (but won' necessarily miss) one week before the trip. My husband and I also go to the Disney Outlet store and buy $10 worth of new toys (which normally ends up being about 8 different toys). I'm sure some moms will think it's over the top, but trust me when I say that my son is in his glory over all of the new toys that he got, and then just as excited to see that his old toys came too. Finally, if you are really worried about the flight, have him take a dramamine or benadryl before-hand so he will maybe sleep some. (I know it sounds horrible, but A LOT of parents do this!) We have never had a horrible flight because of this, and I hope that your son's first flight with you is wonderful as well! Good luck and have fun! :)

M.

When my oldest daughter was 4 years old, we took a trip to England and Spain. I didn't have any problems with her. She understood how to act and we brought along some small snacks for her to eat during take off and landing. The best advice I have for you is to relax. The worst time for anyones ears in the plane is during take-off and landing. Chewing on something, like a snack, will help alleviate any discomfort he may have in his ears.

Hi,

Some ideas: get a book out at the library about a boy who goes on a airplane and had a great time; employ the help of the flight attendants-they do a great job of making children feel calm and giving them some extra attention and maybe a little pair of flight wings and a coloring book or something; bring a brand new toy and/or book, and keep it a surprise until you have boarded and settled. Have him drink plenty of water and have your own snacks handy; ask him to practice swallowing to help with ear pressure-also ask your doctor what they recommend for him specifically in terms of his ears. Also, leave plenty of extra time so you don't feel rushed, which can add more stress. If you have plenty of time you'll be able to stay calm yourself which will make a huge difference.If you prepare well You will have a great flight, don't worry.

My kids have always done well on airplanes. I started flying from Baltimore to Seattle 2-3 times per year when he was 7 months old. One of the main things that helped was to be really prepared. This is harder these days with all the airline restrictions...but there are still ways to make it work. Little surprises help a lot in case he gets restless...just Dollar Tree stuff. The most important thing for me was to make sure he had the window seat! There was one flight where something happened and our seat wound up reassigned - we were in the middle of the middle row. He did fine - but the woman sitting next to him probably wouldn't agree with that. When I tried putting him on the aisle, he would touch people and things as they went down the aisle - nothing earth shattering, but it is MUCh easier to have them in a carseat against the window. For their ears? on the pediatrician's recommendation, even now I give them Triaminic. For my kids, it also makes them a little (not a lot) sleepy so they seem to be more mellow. I hope this helps - I remember the first time we made a "real" flight (not a quick hop to Florida) with our now 5 y/o...we went to Hawaii...14 hours point to point - I was terrified...he did GREAT! Not a problem to be had. Most of the success is in the planning - favorite snacks, busy stuff (markers are a VERY bad idea but crayons are great) and a favorite pillow or stuffed animal.

Good luck and have a blast! :)

Hi J.. I have an 8 year old stepson who from the age of 1 and 1/2 has flown a lot. His mother lives in Oregon and we live in New Jersey where we have custody. He always had fluid and ear infections. From all the flying it has done nerve damage to his ears. He should of had tubes put in when he first started flying which would relieve the pressure. My husband pleaded with the court to have the flying reduced but the court would not listen. We had the tubes put in last December and he is doing so much better. I don't mean to be negative. I just want you to be aware of this. I don't think one trip would do anything but just so you know. Take care and have a safe trip.

Reduce your carry on as much as possible. Only take what you really have to and save as mcu hroom for books, toys, snacks as you can.
One air hostess brought me a cup of ice for my 13 month old to play with when we flew to England. Everyone was so nice and they always took special consdiration of us to help me.
I flew from Utah to California once with three of my children and I took lollipops for them to suck when the plane took off and landed. I just did the dum-dum pops and I told them what to do. This helped with the ear popping.
None of them got scared as I kind of pretended we were blasting off to space or going on some fun ride. I did this quietly of course. They didnt know what to think at first but I think my postivie reaction helped them not to be scared. Good luck! Oh somoene told me for my lap baby to give them a little bit of painkiller 30 minutes before you board the plane incase the sensation hurts but thats only if their young. Not sure if its same for older kids.

I love flying with my kids!! I flew with three outta four of them. Make sure you let him have a backpack with toys and coloring books also the most important for the ears, two of the three had tubes. Bring lolipops!!! have him suck on one just at take off then just before landing. Or if you trust him with gum, that will help with the ears!! Good Luck

Jenn

I flew with my 26month old son. He was great. It was hard getting him on the plane. I had his diaper bag, 2 carry ons and his car seat. A nice solider ended up helping me out. The flight was delayed on the tarmac but I was prepared. I had his small suitcase filled with his favorite toys. I just opened it up and placed it on the tray table. He played the entire flight. I also brought my own snacks and drinks. When it comes to kids they seem a little more lax about bringing drink through security. I had 4 things of chocolate milk. The ones that are like juice boxes. I did make him drink when we took off. I didn't let him have it until the wheels left the tarmac and told him to keep drinking. Good luck!!

As long as you keep an open mind and flexibility in all situations you will be fine. I have flow for the last 3 years repeatedly back and forth from Pittsburgh to China all by myself with my two children now 2 and 4. Every age presents new difficulties and new advantages. I would suggest that you capitalize on the fact that a four year old wants to act like a big kid and give him some controlled responsibilities that make him part of the action. My son loves putting his own back pack up on the security belt and pulling off his shoes because we all have to do it. He goes through the metal detector now by himself but was afraid a couple of years ago. We had to hold hands before and that is no problem. Just make sure he does not go back through it to the where you entered it to begin with or they make you go through the metal detector all over again. Airport security is forbidden to help you with your child but they can help you with your belongings so speak up if you need it. As far as entertainment in the terminal, there are all kinds of neat things for a four year old to look at. Let him run around and get some energy out. We have a little routine of special things we buy at the airport that the kids like but only can be purchased at the airport or on trips ie. bottled ice tea, ice cream etc. This way they are looking forward to the experience. In the airplane the flight attendants will be happy to help you look after your little guy when you need to go to the bathroon or you can bring him in with you. My son loves to use airplane bathrooms and it is possible to fit 2 children and an adult in one with no problem. I have changed my daughters diaper, let my son go the bathroom and then placed them in front of me in the little corners with instructions not to touch the floor or the toilet while mommy uses the bathroom. It really is no problem at all you just have to go with the flow. Also, just realize that kids will be kids and you will see none of these people again so if you child cries or screams so be it and that is that. I just stare straight ahead if one of my children is having "a moment" and to bad if that lady next us is upset about it. People just have to cut you some slack. Remember my trips usually last over 24hrs, with the longest segment of the trip being an airplane ride of 13 hrs straight. the odds of one of the kids or me for the matter having "a moment" is usually guaranteed. I would always pack good travel toys that fit in a little back pack or carry on with wheels. some of my 4 year old boy suggestions are thomas take along size trains with a circle of track. It fits perfectly on the tray table. There are hot wheels fold out travel sets that create a little scene for your child to play his cars on. My son loves the construction site one. They fold up into a carry case that is no bigger than 8x8 inches and then open to a 3 dimentional road system with ramps and signs and other neat stuff. they also fit perfectly on the tray table. The leapster is a must if your child loves that and the plane noise makes it impossible for people sitting next to you to hear the sounds that the leapster makes. If you are lucky to have a plane with personal video devices then cartoons will be available. We have never travelled with a portable dvd player because my children just play with their toys the whole time or play with the leapsters. There are great travel wonder magic pads for your child to color also. I have one that teaches how to write your abc's and one that has recolorable pictures. The "pens" just require water which you can get in your planes bathroom. I could go on and on about this subject but I will stop here. If you want any more suggestions you can email me privately if you wish. I think your little boy will be more fascinated and excited that you think. Children love planes. My son had a special Jay Jay the jet plane outfit he wore on every plane ride one year and he was so proud. He also carried a plane with him everytime we on one. Make it special and most likely he will be to excited to care about taking off shoes at security or sitting in his seat for so long. Good luck but I think you will be fine!!!

I had great experiences flying with my son, my husband was in the AF and we lived in Japan for 4 years and my son and I flew alone often. I flew when he was 5 weeks, one year, 2 years old, etc until he was three. It was really not that big of a deal. Advice, drink from a sipping cup while taking off and landing, the suction helps with the ear popping. ALso, I gave my son dimatapp or something like that to calm him. He slept then. Takes a few toys and don't worry if people get annoyed, they'll live. The hardest part is if you are traveling by yourself to keep him with you in the airport...just make sure he's at your side at all times, easy for them to stray with all of the "cool" stuff to look at. Good luck and don't sweat it.

I have twin boys who are now 5, they were 32week preemies and I have flown with them several times starting at 22 months. They absolutely LOVE going on the plane.

The key for us is that I get some new items to keep them entertained - nothing expensive, new activity books (love crayola colorwonder), a couple new matchbox, story book, card game, action figure if they are into something, etc. At 3 our dentist recommended letting them chew Orbitz gum and said it's ok to swallow (although we greatly discouraged it). At that age, that would be a really special treat to let him chew gum on take off and landing. I also bring lots of snacks that they like, but pack light on the drinks, ours got confiscated last time by security. I was told I only needed 2 juice boxes per kid for our time in the airport and 3.5 hour flight (Jerks!).

Just be patient and give yourself lots of time. You'll have a great time and a great experience! OH, btw, I also flew with the 2 of them by myself traveling through the airport with a double stroller, 2 kids, 2 Marathon car seats, 2 kid backpacks, and an adult carry on - boy, was that fun! Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it, believe me, no one will volunteer!

I just flew in June with my two year old. All the week before we talked about airplanes and how exciting it was to ride one. I also told her that we would be riding one, and that she would have to sit in her seat like a big girl. Etc. I went armed with many of the things mentioned below, snacks, small toys, a few new books checked out from the library, and a portable dvd player. She had a great time! I fed her the snacks for take off and landing and she never seemed to have a problem. Several times throughout the flight she yelled out, "Planes, wahoo!" I'm a nervous flyer so I also prayed that God would allow me to enjoy it too. =) She also enjoyed walking around the terminal at the airport and looking at all the planes. But mostly just walking, so travel light if you can. Even now she will point out planes in the sky. I think she had a really great experience. I'm sure you will, too.

Hi J.
Buy some earplanes brand ear plugs. You put them in before takeoff, he can wear them throughout the flight, or can put them back in before the beginning of your descent. gum or juice can also help.
Have fun!
D.

Hi J.,

I have 2 boys-5 and 6 years old. I have flown with them several times including one trip without my husband and 1 trip to London. I don't have a single horror story! You don't have anything to worry about. I have learned a lot over the years so I hope this is not too long. First, when you go to the airport, allow plenty of time and try not to get frazzled. I know you will have a lot of stuff when you go through security, so just take your time. Make sure everyone has slip on shoes, and remember they will ask you to take off all jackets and sweaters, so it is best if you have them off already or they are backed in your carry-on. On a related note, the temperature on planes can vary drastically. Be prepared for very hot and very cool. I would take plenty of snacks, and don't be afraid to ask the flight attendant for more snacks and beverages. Also, you might want to grab an airline blanket and pillow as soon as you get on the plane. You never know if you will need them. It is so hard to get comfortable in those seats. When you get too your seat make sure you get everything you will need and place it within reach. There is nothing worse than having your child's favorite toy in the overhead compartment when the fasten seat belt is on. On our trip to the UK we bought Leapsters for the kids. They are hand held educational game systems. They helped pass the time. I also recommend a portable DVD player and some old or new favorite DVDs. That can be mommy's best friend on an airplane. Some airports rent DVD players, you get them in the terminal and then mail them back in a prepaid envelope when you arrive at your destination. Good luck and please let us know how it went.

N.

Dear Jenn,

We have flown with both my children since they were 18 months old to the Uk and Spain. All went very well. For the ear issue, I packed juice in a sippy cup as a special treat for take off and I also packed chewy treats for take-off and landing such as raisins, organic gummy bears or jelly beans or gummy worms, or organic lollipops or chewy cereal bars. The continuous swallowing and chewing helped to keep their ears open.

For entertainment we loved the color wonder books with the no mess markers. My oldest played with this for almost the entire 8 hour flight. We also bought special books to read, a few wind-up toys (matchbox cars are a big mistake, LOL, rolling allover under the seats). Both my children get to put their entertainment supplies in a backpack for them with a special lovey as well. This way they choose what they have to keep them busy and it is special for the plane - no playing with it before the trip.

You will have a wonderful flight. Enjoy your trip.

Hi J.,

I too was a nervous Mom the first time I flew with my son. He began flying at 1 and now at 4 he does very well. My son is really into planes, trains and automobiles during his playtime as are most boys his age. So to see a plane at the airport so close to him right now is so "cool". Your son should be fine. Help him get excited about the experience. My son feels like such a big boy in his own seat, being able to pull down the tray in his seat to receive his own drink and snack. He also liked pulling the window screen up and down at times too. And keep him occupied with books, toys, and a DVD player (my favorite traveler). Have him go to the bathroom before boarding the plane...most bathrooms on the plane are so small that the two of you will have a hard time fitting in there but if he has to "go" make the best of it.

My son also had fluid in his ears at a young age. We just made sure he had a snack or something to chew or suck on during takeoff and landing. Hope this helps...have a safe trip. Take care and God Bless!!!

~T.~

Hi Jenn,

You already have a lot of advice - my daughter is almost four and has flown quite a lot, most recently about three weeks ago. Here are the primary things I think made it easy:

1) Let him have his own suitcase for snacks and toys (make it a small rolling one and hopefully he'll be proud and willing to walk with it).
2) Snacks (everybody is right about it - just get 100 calorie packs or something like that) - they help with ears and with distraction
3) Portable DVD player and 3-4 movies to choose from - don't forget headphones - I don't know if boys and girls are similar but it kept my daughter occupied both ways!!
4) Drinks - get a bottle of water or even Sprite or juice (whatever he will drink) right after you get through security. Take it on plane and put it in seat back in front of him - it will help with the dry air as well as ears. Get him to go to the bathroom before you get on the plane and you should be airborne before the first potty break :)
5) Gum - buy some 'special' gum at the airport that he can only have on the airplane - again helps with ears and distraction
6) Books are great but I needed my daughter to be quiet more than anything this last time as we were in first class so the DVD player was the long-flight solution.
7) Clothing and security - crocs worked great - preparing him for having to take off his shoes and walk through the security area without you would be a good idea as you approach the security. Also preparing him for putting his bag onto the carrier and showing that he will get it back. DVD players have to be separate, too, but well worth it.

Good luck - it's a piece of cake and even if you get there early, he'll enjoy watching the planes or going back and forth on the moving walkways (with you) to use up some energy.

Just send a note if you have any questions :)

S.

Encourage him to drink from a sippy cup during take off and landing - that will help the ears a lot!

Hey J. I flew with my oldest when she was 3 months and my youngest was 1 month old for her first flight. Don't be nervous. My girls always fly well. For the ears my doctor said the best thing you can do is benadryl about 45 minutes before you are to take off. It always works for me. Also just have a bag with a good amount of things to keep him entertained and you'll be just fine.

A little about me:

I am the proud mother of two girls, 3yrs and 6months. I am a veteran of the Navy and a military spouse to a Navy man. I do child care in the home and work part time with work at home united for some extra money.

We flew for the first time with my 31/2 yr old daughter and 5 month old son.They both did great.We had her drink from a sippy cup (they let you take them on board) on take offs and landings.We packed her own carry on with books and stickers and crayons and we brought her portable dvd player and of course snacks.She stayed awake the whole flight and was excellent.I hope that helped and good luck!

I flew with my daughter when she was 2 weeks old.......she is adopted and we had to fly from west coast to east coast to get her home. Had her suck on a nuk and eat from bottle on landing and take off. Try having your son chew some gum during takeoff and landing and if you don't like him chewing gum, try some gummy candies. Also, I have a friend who just flew to Florida alone with her two kids age 6 months and 2 1/2. She bought some inexpensive toys/activities ahead of time and wrapped them up and periodically throughout the flight, gave one to him to open. Kept him occupied and kept her sane! She had her infant daughter suk on a nuk during the flight to keep ears from popping. Good luck! I'm sure your son will just be excited to be on a plane for the first time!

We flew to Florida with my almost 3 year old and 6 month old this past December. As much as I worried, we didn't have any problems. I went to wal mart and bought a bunch of cheap new toys and put them all in his carry on bag and let him pick them out one at a time during the flight. He actually only got a few opened by the time we were landing. There is a lot to see and talk about on the plane so you'll occupy him more than you think. Buy juice and water inside the airport before boarding so you don't have to worry about security. Check as much as you can so you don't have to lug bags and child. Try not to get too upset because he will pick up on that. Something to suck on for take off and landing, a dum dum would probably work or his sippy cup.
Try to make it as fun as you can and he will always remember it that way!

We just came back (yesterday) from Disney with our 3 yr old and 4 month old sons. I was a nervous wreck! For the past 7 months, I've been playing every bad senario over and over again in my mind, but everything went fine.

The baby didn't count, he slept both flights and was in his carrier in the airport. The 3 yr old was a bear from the time we entered the airport through security. Once we were in the terminal he was better b/c we could watch the airplanes and walk freely. This was the same both ways. Our flight was only 2 hours, but we had a bunch of snacks, books, matchbox cars, and a leapster w/ 3 games, whatever I could fit in his little backpack to keep him occupied. We also told him there was no bathroom on the plane so he had to go before we left -- I was not looking forward to taking a newly potty trained, let me pee like a big boy, 3 yr old into the itty-bitty bathroom.

Oh and about the ears, we didn't have a problem with that either. The baby had a bottle or pacifier on take-off and maybe a pacifier on landing. We packed lollipops for the older 1, but he finished 2 of them before we even took off. He had nothing on the landings or the way home b/c my wild man does not need that much sugar! Neither of them had any problems with it even though I could feel my ears pop.

Good luck with your flight. I'm sure when it's all done you kick yourself for spending so much time worrying like I am : )

Hi Jenn:
Don't worry about your flight, everything will be fine!

We adopted our children from Guatemala, so their first flight was when they were 2.5 and 1.3 years old. They were fine! I just made sure that when we took off, they were sucking on their bottles (in your case, maybe a sippy cup or gum) so that the pressure wouldn't build up in their ears.

We had a delay with our connecting flight in TX, so that was the worst part, to keep them entertained. But I made it fun for them. I bought a small carry-on case (they sell ones for kids at Target) and filled it with some fun little toys and books. With your son, I would suggest a few favorites and a few new surprises. Maybe a special snack or two, since you won't get much on the plane. I would think at his age he would be very excited and interested in everyone at an airport and on the plane, so just play up the adventure aspect. If you have a window seat, let him sit there and let him tell you all the things he can see down below. Flying is cool! Good luck, S.

My son will be 5 in a few weeks and has flown several times. Usually, I had my husband with us to help. HOwever, the last time we flew, it was just me (8months pregnant) and my then 4 year old. I took a portable dvd player and a couple of his favorite movies, books, and a couple cars. We had a very easy time. We also always make sure we are on a direct flight. As for his ears, give him gum, or something to chew on during take off and descent. You also may want to prepare him for going through security as well, taking his shoes off was very traumatic for my son on one of our trips. Have very little to carry so you can hold onto him at all times. That's all the advice I have.. I've never had a bad experience. Just relax, you'll be fine.

I've never flown with a toddler before (just an infant), but my sister-in-law flies a couple of times a yr with her 2 yo and here's what she does (she flies from San Jose, CA to Pgh). First, she tries to keep him up so that he's more likely to sleep on the plane. She brings as many snacks as she can, as well as books and quiet toys. She also has a portable DVD player that she can bring on the plane so that he can watch a movie or 2. She says that it can be a challenge, but it's only temporary. Sometimes he gets sick just before they have to leave (he gets really wiped out playing for a week nonstop with his cousins) and she worries about his ears and stuffy nose. I tell her to have him chew a small piece of gum or drink from his sippy cup. I'm not sure if she does anything else. She never complained that he had a major problem. Good luck.

Hi J.! When my oldest was 4 and my then youngest was 2 we flew to Flordia with them. My first suggestion is to take his car seat onto the plane with you. He is safe (and will be more comfortable) in his car seat on the plane. This also helps out in any car you rent once you get to your destination. Take a big bag with plenty of things to do/play with as well as clothes onto the plane as well...in your case I would just have a really big bag/purse! Cards, crayons (washable) coloring books (the small half page type are easier) a couple of action figures or cars that he can play with on the seat tray and a book or two to read to him should be great. Also you might want to take a few snacks and some gum. Chewing gum, sucking on a sucker or drinking when the plane takes off and lands should help with the ear popping issue. Also direct, non-stop flights are best. Once going up and once going down helps a lot...as well as not having to wait for connecting flights. Make sure you get plenty of sleep before the big day, maintain calm and expect chaos! And you'll have a great time. My girls were great durring their flight and I'm sure you'll have no problems! Have a great time!

When my oldest was 18 mos old, we were flying to Maine from Philly. She got an ear infection 2 days before we were to leave & I was terrified. They gave me some drops to put in her ears to help numb them if it became problematic. So...we go off & she is fine. My ears started hurting & I used the numbing drops. She was standing in the seat next to me looking out the window for a while & just as I get my ears to start feeling a bit better, I look over at her & see buildings at window level. They were landing & I had not heard any notice so she was standing while I had tears running down my face in pain.

You will probably be very surprised. but...if you are concerned, just go to your ped & ask if there is something they can prescribe to address any discomfort that may come up during the flight like the drops they gave me.

I have 3 kids and the older two have been on several flights. It usually goes better than we expect/ plan for :) (One of our kids was 2 1/2 when we flew 15 hours to Korea!) A couple of thoughts: there are these things I think called Earplanes. They are kid ear plug thingys to help reduce pressure. I know you can find them on onestepahead.com. Also, as a rule of thumb, I read to bring one new toy for each hour you'll be on the plane. Doesn't have to be anything expensive- just something they haven't seen before. Silly putty, travel aquadoodle, little cars or characters, markers, dollar store stuff... Bring a change of clothes (spills) and lots of snacks just in case the plane is delayed while your on the run-way. Not sure about for a 4 year old, but for a kids who was recently potty-trained, I'd bring a pull up because on one of our flights we were delayed and sat on the tarmac and they wouldn't let us get up to use the potty and we came dangerously close to a wet plane seat! I told myself next time I'd bring a pull up to slip on in case of absolute emergency! Also, we read a few books about going on a plane so they knew what to expect with going through security and the ride itself. They got excited and knew a little bit of what to expect. Good luck, I'm sure it'll be fine :)

J.,
I'll be flying for the first time this Saturday with my 5 yr old so I will be looking for the answers you get!

A couple of things to consider: Does your son currently have ear tubes?? If so, his ears will be fine as the tubes will keep the pressure equalized and he won't be uncomfortable. If he does not have tubes at present, have him chew gum or chewy candy during take-off and landing (skittles worked well with my almost four year old who does not have tubes anymore but used to). Also, teach him to "yawn" really big if his ears feel funny. As far as keeping him entertained.... portable DVD player works great, lots of books, a couple of "surprise" items that are new to him that you take out periodically during the flight. I have almost 4-year-old and almost 2-year old sons. The DVD player was the life-saver on the cross-country flight we took last spring.

J.,
I took my daughter who was also a 30 week preemie on her first flight at 5 months. she has flsown many times since then. She is now ten. make it fun. Pack his backpack with a few of his favorite things and also a couple of new things. I always wrapped a couple of small gifts for them. They thought it was great. nothing expensive. Hit the dollar store. Talk with the doctor for something for his ears. At this age I would give mine a small piece of gum top chew during the take off and landing. The landing seemed to have more pressure. I also taught mine to hold their nose and blow to help alleviate the pressure, this seems to help. Don't forget the snacks. We jsut returned from Florida and there is no snacks at all anymore.You still get drinks and you can buy a snack if you want. Remember though you will have to wait to get a drink after you go through security. Make it fun for the both of you like it is a big adventure and it should all go well. Even if it not that great don't worry about it, the more anxious you get he will pick up on it to. have a great time.
L.

Couple of suggestions:

1. Take bubble or chewing gum for the take off and landing (alternatives to this are chewy candy that he likes for example, licorice or laffy taffy). This will help with the pressure in his ears during the take off and landing. Give it to him as soon as you start the take off and when they announce you will be landing. (This was a great help with my daughter who had to have 3 sets of tubes in her ears from recurrent ear infections. It is also a great help for adults as well.)

2. For the flight itself, pack light but bring many options for playthings. For a little boy his age, I recommend the following:
- 2 to 4 matchbox cars to allow for interaction between the cars and crashing while playing on the tray table.
- a ziplock baggie with a handful of crayons in multiple colors, a coloring book and some blank paper. If your son is one of those rare children who likes to draw on inappropriate things (like walls and tables), then instead of the crayons and paper, pick up somem color wonder markers and a color wonder coloring book.
- if you have a portable dvd player or laptop, you may want to bring it and a dvd or two just in case.
- if your son has a Vsmile or Leapster, this is a great thing to have to keep him busy on the flight.
- an alternative to a dvd player or game, would be a source of music, whether you own a mp3 player or a cd player or even a walkman. If it is an mp3 player or a walkman, store (record on tape for the walkman) some of your sons favorite songs for him to listen to quietly if he becomes bored.
- check with the airline as to what they allow as far as food goes. This way you will know whether you can bring candy or if you would have to go with the chewing gum.
- if your son likes playing with action figures, same as with the cars, bring 2 to 4 of them. Enough to interact but not enough to become bulky, take up too much room or weigh too much.
- if your son prefers trains, they make a Take-a-long Thomas that my 4 year old received for his 2nd birthday and still loves to play with. The track is also the carrying case. The little windup Thomas, a bridge, a station, 2 trees, 2 horses and 2 fences all fit inside. When in use all of the pieces except the train and the horses fit into little slots on the case. It has been a big help during our trips.
- Also, remember to pack a couple of bandaids. You probably won't need them. But I know with my 2 older kids (the youngest is just turning one next week), if they get a bump or a scratch, even if it doesn't need a bandaid, the bandaid sometimes makes it feel better. If you have a bandaid on hand, then you don't have to have the discussion about how a bandaid won't help. You can just stick it on and let him think it is helping. The placebo effect can be wonderful.

Anyhow, I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to let you know what has worked for us when traveling just send me a message.

Hello Jenn. I have 3 kids (7,4 and 2). I have flown with all of them on numerous occasions and we never had a bad time. We would bring sippy cups or bottles depending on their age so that during lift off and decent they would have something to suck on to help ease the ear poppingthat comes with the altitude change. For the 7 year old, we would bring some gum for him to chew on for the same effect. We also brought things like goldfish and pretzels to snack on and crayons and coloring books to keep them occupied. New ones work best because they are special for the trip.

HI J.,

It sounds as if you will be having a great trip somewhere. Preparation and patiend understanding is the key for the airline ride. I can't remember the name of it, but my mom found children's book about "We're Taking an Airplane Trip" or something like that. It followed the whole process, how your luggage gets on the plane, what happens, etc. It was also ethnically inclusive, and had an Afro-American co-pilot. what was funniest was that in the airport, my daughter saw a black person for the first time (we lived in rural Maine at the time), and she pointed him out and said, "There's the co-pilot." :-)

But that helped her to learn the process of getting on the plane, and what was going to happen.

There's the length of the planeride to prepare for, and you'll need to bring some kind of activity for him. Something that will be quiet enough not to bother others, and interesting enough to entertain him. I had a friend who solved some of that by purchasing some new inexpensive toys, and providing "gifts" through the flight. They can be rewards for good behavior, but you might also want to hand one out for restless behavior, so think that through before you do anything like tying them to rewards. (Maybe they will be a reward for Mom !! LOL) That kind of thing can brighten up a boring ride.

You may also want to bring some of his favorite snacks. Airplane food is really boring these days -- just pretzels. And while it's cool to get it in the little snack bag, it's not a lot of snack for a long boring trip, either.

In terms of ears . . . . Be sure he has a drink for landing, because swallowing will help the ears pop. Also, going DOWN, he can hold his nose and try to blow out through his nose to add pressure to the ear passages. That helps with pain. Another trick I learned a few years ago - from an F-15 fighter pilot: During times of pressure change just tip your head from side to side. It helps the ear fluid to move around which helps the ear to handle the pressure changes. i don't do that so much, but I do use the nose thing to help me with my ears. chewing gum can help, too, for take-off and landings.

The good news is that he's old enough to do this, and to talk with you, and he will probably have a great time. If he gets a window seat, he can look down at the world from the sky, and that's pretty amazing stuff !

Above all, just prepare yourself to simply be there for your son. Flying is tedious at best these days, and he will have more energy than he has room to expend it. If you have a layover, try to keep him moving while on the ground. Look out the windows, find an unobtrusive spot and challenge him to run back and forth to some pre-arranged spot within your view. Allow him to use up his energy while on the ground so the time in flight, in a seat, with not so much to do will not be so difficult.

And in the end, the airlines may still hand out wings to kids. I don't know. But way back when, when my kids were little, they got wing stickers after the flight. Not a big deal, but it was kind of fun to have them think they'd earned their wings. :-)

Have an awesome trip !!